In another case, a pet dog was found on the brink of death by its family after they ate deadly poison that had allegedly been thrown over their garden fence. The dog was rushed to the vet for emergency treatment, but had to be put down.

RSPCA WA chief inspector Amanda Swift urged pet owners to remain vigilant, and warned the penalty if found guilty of poisoning an animal is a $50,000 fine and up to five years in prison.

"Anyone who thinks they are justified baiting an animal had better think again – it's a serious criminal offence. The amount of suffering caused by baiting is severe, and those responsible will face significant penalties if caught," she said.